Dr. Kristy Eaton—Director of the Purdue University College of Engineering’s Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) Program

Abstract: CARES is a brand-new program at the College of Engineering created to promote and enhance the well-being of all Purdue engineering students. Being an engineering student is challenging, and CARES is available to help support students in the journey! Join Kristy Eaton, CARES Director, to learn about the program and what is offered to engineering students to support their mental health and well-being. If time permits, Dr. Eaton will also review self-awareness practices that can lead to stress reduction and an overall sense of well-being. Specifically, we will cover:

• Use of the CARES Hub physical space
• How to access the CARES therapist
• Dr. Eaton’s certified peer mentoring training course and how to access CARES peer mentors
• Social activities offered to enhance well-being
• Well-being workshops offered
• Self-awareness tips for stress reduction and enhanced well-being

Biography: On April 1, 2024, Kristy Eaton became the inaugural director of the Purdue University College of Engineering’s Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) program where she is charged with the task of creating a multi-tiered system of services and supports to promote and sustain the well-being and mental health of Purdue’s 16,000 engineering students. Prior to coming to Purdue, Dr. Eaton spent 20 years in urban mental health public education and five years as the assistant director of mental health K – 12 education at Indiana University-Bloomington.

Dr. Eaton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, a Master of Science in Social Work degree, and a Doctor of Education degree. She is a past Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar Fellow as well as a licensed clinical social worker, Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Trainer, and an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Interface Master Trainer. Her ACEs training was conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, co-investigator of the original ACEs study.

Dr. Eaton is passionate about mental health and well-being for all, including the elimination of mental health stigma through education and training. Other practice specialties include suicide prevention in educational settings and educator mindset, regulation, and well-being. She has provided consultation and professional development at the local, state, regional, and national levels.